What is The Penguin Project?

For the sixth straight year, Playhouse in the Park in Murray, Kentucky is proud to present The Penguin Project! Created by Dr. Andrew Morgan, The Penguin Project features a magical and touching celebration of the human spirit that unfolds as children take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. This production is especially unique because all of the roles are filled by children with developmental disabilities, including cognitive, learning, motor, visual, hearing, genetic, and neurological disorders. These young artists are joined on stage by “peer mentors”, a group of similarly aged children without disabilities. Each volunteer mentor will work side-by-side with a special needs artist, and guide then through the 4 months of rehearsals and the final production. By creating unrestricted access to the performing arts, The Penguin Project demonstrates that the special challenges of disability need not handicap a child’s ability to participate in life’s experiences.

Playhouse in the Park has been active in Murray, Kentucky for over 40 years. For this production, we have pulled together a team of local theatre veterans and special education professionals to help ensure a fun, safe, and memorable experience for all involved.

Who can participate?

Artists are children and young adults ages 10-25 with disabilities, including (but not limited to) Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, intellectual disabilities, visual or hearing impairments, and other neurological disorders. Peer mentors are children and young adults ages 10-25 who do not have disabilities. Each mentor will be matched as closely as possible with an artist of similar age and interests, and the two will work side-by-side through the entire rehearsal and performance process.

When is the show?

The 2019 show dates are September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. Rehearsals will be held once a week, beginning in early June, and increasing in frequency as the show approaches.

Join us at Playhouse for the Get Acquainted Meeting on Monday, May 1.3 at 6:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend, but are interested in participating in this year’s production, or if you need additional information, please contact:Lisa Cope at (270) 759-1752 or playhouse®murray-ky.net.